In 2008, a client stabbed and killed a Massachusetts social worker during a home visit. This is just one example of the danger faced by social workers and outreach workers when they visit their clients. The National Association of Social Workers Massachusetts chapter recommends that agencies implement stronger safety policies, but workers must also take steps to protect themselves from harm.

Preparation

Workers should review their case files before making home visits, as these files contain information about the people living in each home. Look for notations about drug or alcohol abuse, documented incidents of violence or a history of mental illness in clients or their family members. If a client has a particularly aggressive dog or the home has known safety hazards, schedule an office meeting instead of visiting the home. If you must make a home visit, take a colleague with you whenever possible.

Training

Agency supervisors should encourage workers to develop professional skills related to safety and risk assessment. Workers who enroll in professional training programs learn how to assess a client's potential for violence, defuse tense situations and defend themselves against attacks. Social service and outreach workers should also enroll in training courses that help them learn about racism, stereotypes and bias as they relate to safety in this field. For social workers who work with high-risk populations, self-defense courses may also be appropriate.

Policy Development

Stronger agency safety policies may protect workers in the social service field. Agency managers should develop policies that promote safety, consider the needs of all staff members and include staff input. These policies should include safety procedures for office visits; safety procedures for visits to homes, schools and community agencies; and procedures to help social service workers handle situations involving weapons or drug and alcohol abuse. Managers should review these policies regularly and update or revise them as necessary.

Agency Safety

Agency heads should consider safety when opening a new office or renovating an existing one. Installing alarms, buzzers and intercoms helps control access to the building. Managers should pay special attention when furnishing and decorating waiting areas. Avoid decorating with heavy objects or items that could be used as weapons. Offices should have enough room for social service workers to keep an appropriate amount of distance between themselves and their clients. Make sure all exits are free of obstacles so that workers can get away quickly if a client becomes violent. Provide workers with cellphones and escorts to their vehicles to reduce the number of violent incidents involving staff members. Some agencies have shared data systems, which allow workers to notify each other of clients who have displayed violent behavior or have a history of drug or alcohol abuse. If your agency has one of these systems, check it before meeting with a client.

Field Safety

If you must make a home visit on your own, take steps to protect yourself from harm. Keep your cellphone charged and in your hand at all times so you have a way to call for help if you need it. Wear low-heeled shoes with non-slip soles to make it easier to get away quickly in the event of an emergency. When you knock on the door of a residence, listen carefully for any potential dangers. If you encounter a dangerous situation, contact law enforcement officials immediately. If the door is unlocked or ajar yet no one answers your knock, avoid entering the home.

General Safety

Social service workers face hazards unrelated to client violence. Always keep enough gas in your vehicle to avoid breaking down when traveling to or from a client visit. If possible, avoid wearing ties, scarves or jewelry that make it easy for someone to grab you. If your agency requires you to wear an identification badge, pin it to your clothing or wear the badge on a breakaway lanyard, which breaks apart if someone grabs it. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in isolated areas.

About the Author

Leigh Ann Morgan began working as a writer in 2004. She has extensive experience in the business field having served as the manager of a $34 million rental property portfolio. Morgan also appeared as a guest on an episode of National Public Radio's "Marketplace Money" in 2005.